THE RHINOCEROS, 79

Syrian name of the animal; the Arabs call it Nadr, and the
Abyssinians Ashhoko.”* Its colour is grey, mixed with
reddish-brown, and white underneath.

Ruioceros.—(Plate III. Rhinoceros Africanus.)

This uncouth-looking animal is supposed to be the Uni-
corn of the Scriptures; it inhabits the hotter regions of
Asia and Africa: that of Asia is usually about twelve feet
long, and seven in height; the head is rather large, having
a very protruding upper lip, which is extremely pliable,
and answers the purpose of a small proboscis; the ears are
moderately large, and pointed; the eyes small, and half-
closed ; from the bones on the nose rises a slightly curved,
solid, sharp-pointed horn, which sometimes measures three
feet in length, though more usually about eighteen inches.
The skin is thick and coarse, with a granulated surface, suf-
ficiently impenetrable on the body and limbs to resist the
claws of the lion or tiger, and the sword or shot of the
hunter ; the tail is slender; the legs short, strong, and thick,
and the feet divided into three large hoofs. The rhinoceros
is naturally of a quiet, peaceful disposition, but very dan-
gerous when provoked, trampling down or ripping with its
horn any animal which attacks or opposes it. It leads a

* Pictorial Bible.